Share “Thunder's Serge Ibaka might consider...”

Thunder's Serge Ibaka might consider playing in Europe during lockout

Thunder forward Serge Ibaka is considering playing in Europe if the NBA's lockout drags on.

While vacationing in Spain, Ibaka recently told a radio station that he would be open to returning to Spain, where he played for two seasons prior to officially joining the Thunder.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER NBA BASKETBALL PLAYER / CHILD / CHILDREN / KIDS: Serge Ibaka answers questions for kids at the Thunder Youth Basketball Camp at the Santa Fe Family Life Center on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Photo by Zach Gray, The Oklahoman ORG XMIT: KOD

“If there is a lockout, and there are not many complications to play in the CBA, I would like to return here to play,” Ibaka is quoted as saying.

Ibaka is the latest in a long line of NBA players who have expressed an interest in playing overseas in the event of a prolonged lockout. Former Thunder center Nenad Krstic, who was traded to Boston at the deadline, recently signed a deal with CSKA Moscow in Russia. But Krstic's contract had expired.

Ibaka, however, has two years remaining on his contract with the Thunder, and there is uncertainty with whether he or any other NBA player under contract can legally sign on to play for another professional team. Earlier this year, FIBA spokesman Florian Wanninger addressed the possibility of NBA players attempting to look for work overseas.